INDIA. Jammu and Kashmir: Agniveer Amritpal Singh, a soldier attached to the White Knight Corps in Nagrota Cantonment, Jammu and Kashmir, committed suicide by shooting himself while on sentry duty in the Rajouri sector.
Initially, there was confusion, and it was thought that he had been injured during an encounter with militants. However, it was later clarified that it was a self-inflicted injury.
Amritpal Singh’s funeral took place in his native village in Punjab’s Mansa district, with police honors but without an Army Guard of Honour.
The Indian Army stated that a court of inquiry is ongoing to ascertain more details surrounding his death. Due to the nature of his death being self-inflicted, no military funeral was provided, in line with existing policies.
The Additional Directorate General of Public Information of the Indian Army clarified that deaths resulting from suicide or self-inflicted injuries, regardless of the type of entry, are treated with respect and empathy by the Armed Forces.
However, such cases do not receive Military Funerals as per the extant Army Order of 1967. This policy has been in place since 2001, and the Armed Forces prioritize the disbursement of financial assistance and relief to the families of soldiers in such cases.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his government’s commitment to provide Rs. One crore to the soldier’s family, regardless of the army’s policy.
Agniveer Amritpal Singh was likely recruited under the Agnipath scheme, which was announced by the Central government in June 2022.
This scheme allows recruits to serve for four years and provides an opportunity to join the regular cadre after completing their training. Up to 25% of Agniveers may be selected for regular service through another recruitment process.
This scheme has been used for recruiting soldiers, sailors, and airmen in the Indian Armed Forces. The Army has recruited 40,000 Agniveers in two batches, with the first batch having completed their training and joined service at regimental centers.
Also Read: BARC Scientist Found Dead in Apparent Suicide
